Board Stalls Plans To Renovate Home

Hollywood House Was Built In 1902 By South Florida Pioneers

HOLLYWOOD — Tom Cheaney owns one of the oldest houses in Broward County, a two-story wood-frame structure built 93 years ago by South Florida pioneers.

The house has weathered five hurricanes and countless floods. During the years, it has served mostly as a family home, but also has been a a haven for the Elks, casino gambling and mob gunrunners.

So Cheaney was shocked to learn last year that city records show the house isn't a home at all, but part of a city park.

"I went to get building [renovation) permits and found out the land was zoned for open space," said Cheaney, 38, whose property has been in his family since 1946. "I couldn't get a permit."

On Thursday, Cheaney asked the Broward County Planning Council to fix the error and grant a land-use change that could allow him to build up to 42 housing units on his 4.25 acres.

County response: Not so fast.

"[This) is considered to be the oldest intact structure in south Broward County," county planner Elizabeth Matej told the council.

Although Cheaney said he wants to restore the house, not raze it, his request has raised concerns among planners. They want solid assurance that the historic structure called the Bryan House and the majestic oak trees that surround it won't be casually bulldozed.

"I have no intention of developing the property," said Cheaney, whose brother rents the house from him. "I have no intention of destroying any trees."

The planning council postponed debate on Cheaney's request for a month, so he can come up with a more detailed plan showing how he can build without destroying a structure with rich ties to Broward history.

Bryan House was built in 1902 by John and Guilda Bryan near the intersection of what are now Stirling Road and State Road 7 and adjacent to the Seminole Indian Reservation.

John Bryan was cousin of Philemon Bryan, who came to Fort Lauderdale in 1895 to supervise 400 laborers who were laying track for the Florida East Coast Railway.

John Bryan had 90 acres of land, where he raised crops and cattle. Today, what's left of the original property is surrounded by many smaller houses and businesses.

Just how Cheaney's property was zoned for open space and recreational uses is unclear. There are two other homes on the property.

"It has never been used as either a private or public open space," said Henry Watson, Cheaney's lawyer.

One possible answer to the mix-up: Twenty years ago, Hollywood considered buying the property, then owned by John and Katherine Hood, Cheaney's late grandparents. But the city dropped the plan in favor of other land, said City Commissioner Cathleen Anderson. She has been on the commission since 1975.

Last year, Hollywood approved the 10-unit-per-acre zoning, which city planners say is similar to zoning surrounding Cheaney's property.

On Thursday, the planning council told Cheaney he probably will need to conduct an archeological survey of the site and determine whether the house is eligible for inclusion in the National Registry of Historic Sites.

"We just need to nail down all concerns," said John Milledge, planning council chairman.